Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thanks to all of you who came along to the jewellery afternoon. We really enjoyed having you call in to meet Michelle, the Zsiska rep and share the first viewing of the gorgeous new range.

Signature range

Fragile Range

Fragile Range

Arabesque Range

Arabesque Range

All designs available in a range of colours, click on this link to see all the options, plus more of the Zsiska jewel colours and sleek designs. Jan Lankow of Martinborough won the draw, a prize of a large hanami disc pendant, a black bird design on 24 karat silver leaf . This looked extremely elegant on Jan – congratulations!

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Newly in, fine gossamer scarves of silk & merino felted onto silk gauze fabric. They come from Jenny Ladd, who just walked in one day wearing one, which I discovered she made; the best things really do just come through the door. Only in last week, but they are selling like hot cakes already; instead of a new outfit just accessorise!

Apple machines continue to be a hit with cooks who make baked apples.

Top Tip: Leave the peel on the apples, slice & core on the apple machine, then put a small plug of the core back into the base of the apple & fill it with dates, brown sugar etc. A swirl of Muirlea Rise in the syrup is also delicious according to one enthusiastic chap. Muirlea dessert wine is a perfect match with baked apples so my customers tell me. I love learning titbits & hints from my lovely chatty customers. Follow this link to see the apple machine in action!

Do let me know if there is something you would like me to source, especially in the kitchen range; I’m very happy to source things if I can.

Monday, April 5, 2010

There can't be much that beatsa homemade cupcake with a cup of tea or coffee as the days grow cooler. Why not try the famous Hummingbird BakeryRed Velvet?

Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

It seems people can’t resist the red velvet cupcakes’ deep red sponge with white
Cream Cheese Frosting. Mix all the ingredients well so that the sponge has an even
colour and texture. Red food colourings vary in strength, but we recommend Dr. Oetker
Red Food Colouring for the best result. To make a red velvet cake instead, double the
quantities below, divide between three 20-cm cake tins and bake for 25 minutes at
the same oven temperature. Frost with 2 quantities of Cream Cheese Frosting.

Makes 12
Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) Gas 3
Put the butter and the sugar in a freestanding electric mixer
with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric whisk)
and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy and well mixed.
Turn the mixer up to high speed, slowly add the egg and beat
until everything is well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, red food
colouring and vanilla extract to make a thick, dark paste. Add
to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined
and coloured (scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side
of the bowl with a rubber spatula). Turn the mixer down to slow
speed and slowly pour in half the buttermilk. Beat until well
mixed, then add half the flour, and beat until everything is well
incorporated. Repeat this process until all the buttermilk and
flour have been added. Scrape down the side of the bowl
again. Turn the mixer up to high speed and beat until you have
a smooth, even mixture. Turn the mixer down to low speed and
add the salt, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Beat until well
mixed, then turn up the speed again and beat for a couple
more minutes.

Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two-thirds full
and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until
the sponge bounces back when touched. A skewer inserted
in the centre should come out clean. Leave the cupcakes to
cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling
rack to cool completely.
When the cupcakes are cold, spoon the Cream Cheese
Frosting on top.

If you love this recipe, why not indulge in your own copy of the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook, that you can find in store.

Also at Mint we have everything you need to make the prettiest cupcakes on the block

Sunday, April 4, 2010

I just had to share these new wonderful measuring cups that we found at gift fair and recently arrived in Mint.

Babushka Dolls

that are measuring cups!

just like the classic version they stack away neatly so the cups will always be clean ready to use, or look super cute on display. At $29.50 (NZD) a set of 3, they are a fun and affordable kitchen accessory!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

As promised we now have images of the gorgeous new Zsiska range of jewellery we ordered at the gift fair; it should be arriving soon.

Fusion - mix of resin and wood, available in black and white, this earthy fresh combo is perfect summer and winter

Fusion necklace - available in black and white

Fusion earrings - available in black and white

The fun and funky elements range - high impact and style

Cubist inspired homage - available in brights

Subdued colours

Or chic black and white

The elegant Isis range - inspired by the Egyptian goddess Isis

Available in a gorgeous range of colours for every season

Fresh and fun Pop Art

and last but not least - the cheeky Parrot

My daughter and I were fascinated when we meet Zsiska, as she explained how each individual piece was hand painted and finished. I thought you might like to see their ultra organised and extremely tidy workshop.

Find Mint

About Mint

In an old church under a veranda of grape vines you'll find Mint at Martinborough. A kitchen/homeware store with a vintage twist, where the passionate cook and house proud are well catered for.
Wedding registers welcome.
We even have bikes for hire, to enjoy our gorgeous countryside and boutique vineyards!